Visitekaartje aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1897

This calling card, created by Baronne Madeleine Deslandes in 1897, offers a glimpse into the social customs of the late 19th century. As a calling card, it would have served as a formal introduction or a gesture of acquaintance, adhering to the strict etiquette of bourgeois society. Deslandes, identified by her title, existed within a social stratum defined by class and gender expectations. The calling card itself functions as a symbol of her identity within this structure, announcing her presence in a world that often confined women to specific roles. The inscription ‘Souvenir’ adds a layer of personal sentiment to this otherwise formal object. It suggests a desire for remembrance. The act of leaving this card becomes an intimate gesture, a trace of human connection amidst social rituals. We're left to reflect on how even the simplest of interactions can be infused with meaning, carrying the weight of social norms and personal histories.